Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Integration Lead – Fuel Plant

Candidates need to have experience with building and implementing new manufacturing lines, specifically nuclear fuel or pharmaceutical.

Work Location: Remote (as-needed travel to Valar Atomics office and/or USREL site)

Duration: 6+ months (potential direct hire conversion)

Hours: Full Time | 40+ hours per week

Rate: Open – Candidate’s requested rate required

Position Overview

We are seeking a senior-level Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Integration Lead to provide technical leadership and integration oversight for I&C systems supporting a nuclear fuel laboratory facility.

This role requires a strong I&C engineering foundation, direct new construction experience, and demonstrated work within highly regulated environments — ideally nuclear fuel cycle facilities or GMP-style pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Strong preference will be given to candidates who supported the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Units 3 and 4 new build project, particularly in I&C installation, commissioning, loop checks, calibration, or system startup.

This position blends hands-on field expertise with technical integration leadership and cross-functional coordination.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong Instrumentation & Controls engineering background

• Direct new construction project experience

• Experience in:

  • Nuclear fuel fabrication, enrichment, or fuel cycle facilities (preferred), OR

  • GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments

• Experience supporting large-scale nuclear new builds (Vogtle 3 & 4 strongly preferred)

• Demonstrated field exposure to:

  • Installation oversight

  • Loop checks

  • Instrument calibration

  • Functional testing

  • System commissioning and startup

Technical Leadership & Integration

• Lead the design, implementation, and integration of I&C systems supporting fuel laboratory operations

• Develop I&C system architecture, integration strategies, and technical specifications

• Provide guidance on:

  • Sensor selection

  • PLC/DCS configuration

  • Data acquisition systems

  • Industrial network architecture

• Oversee integration of both safety-related and non-safety I&C systems

• Ensure compliance with nuclear industry codes, QA requirements, and regulatory standards

• Troubleshoot complex I&C issues and implement corrective actions

• Collaborate with process engineering, operations, QA, and vendors to optimize system performance

Project & Field Execution Leadership

• Plan and coordinate I&C integration activities across disciplines

• Lead commissioning and startup efforts for newly constructed systems

• Provide oversight of:

  • Installation activities

  • Loop checks

  • Calibration verification

  • System testing and validation

• Support schedule management, deliverables tracking, and risk mitigation

• Facilitate cross-functional communication between engineering, QA, operations, and external stakeholders

Documentation, QA & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and maintain:

  • Design specifications

  • Test procedures

  • As-built documentation

  • Integration packages

• Ensure compliance with:

  • 10 CFR Part 21

  • 10 CFR Part 70

  • Applicable NRC requirements

• Support configuration management and change control processes

• Demonstrate familiarity with nuclear QA programs (NQA-1 experience strongly valued)

• Prepare technical documentation for internal review and regulatory interfaces

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Instrumentation, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline)

• 7–10+ years of I&C engineering experience

• Direct experience leading I&C integration from design through commissioning

• Strong knowledge of:

  • PLC and DCS systems

  • SCADA platforms

  • Industrial control networks

• Demonstrated experience in new construction environments

• Experience working within highly regulated industries (nuclear, nuclear fuel, or pharmaceutical GMP)

• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strongly Preferred Experience

• Direct involvement in the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Units 3 and 4 new build

• Experience within nuclear fuel fabrication or enrichment facilities

• Familiarity with NQA-1 quality programs

• Experience with:

  • Safety-related system integration

  • Radiation monitoring systems

  • Nuclear material accountability systems

• Exposure to GMP pharmaceutical validation environments

• Experience with digital control system upgrades or legacy system modernization

PMP certification (plus)